How Readers Benefit from Supporting Indie Authors (aside from the good vibes that come from being nice)
- Marjory Benedict
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
Dear Reader,
Do you wonder why more and more of your neighbors are suddenly announcing their indie-published debut novel or nonfiction book?
Here are ten benefits of supporting indie (independently published) authors:
1. More Diverse Voices
Indie authors often tell stories that traditional publishers overlook, involving unique cultures, niche genres, unconventional characters, and bold ideas.
2. Fresh and Original Content
Without strict publishing gatekeepers, indie writers can experiment more, leading to creative and unexpected storytelling.
3. Directly Supporting Creators
When you buy from an indie author, a much larger portion of the money goes straight to the writer instead of a big publishing company.
4. Discover Hidden Gems
Many indie books are just as good (or better) than traditionally published ones. You just have to find them.
5. Faster Publishing = More Content
Indie authors can release books faster, meaning readers don’t have to wait years between installments. This is particularly important when you’re dying to read the next volume of a page-turning series.
6. Closer Connection with Authors
Indie authors are often more accessible on social media or email, making it easier to interact with them and become part of their journey.
7. Supporting Creative Freedom
Indie publishing allows authors to maintain control over their stories, covers, titles, and messages. There are no forced changes to fit market trends.
8. Encouraging Innovation
Because indie authors take more risks, they help push the boundaries of storytelling and keep the book world evolving.
9. Affordable Pricing
Many indie books are cheaper than traditionally published ones, especially ebooks but often audiobooks and print books as well.
10. Helping Dreams Become Reality
Every purchase, review, or recommendation helps an author continue writing and building their career. Most authors work hard to improve their craft with each new book.
Ready to join the indie revolution? Check out the new bookstore from the Alliance of Independent Authors, featuring member-written books and smart search tools to help you find your next great read. My books are there too, along with plenty of other hidden gems. Happy exploring!
I’ll leave you with a list of bestselling authors who got their start as Indies:
Andy Weir - The Martian was indie-published, became a major motion picture
Hugh Howey - Wool was indie-published, became an Apple series
Colleen Hoover, 1st books indie-published, maybe the most popular author in the world now
Lisa Genova - Still Alice was indie-published, became a major motion picture
John Grisham - A Time to Kill was indie-published. You've heard of this guy, right?
Margaret Atwood - her 1st book was indie-published; you've probably heard of her too
Mel Robbins - The Let Them Theory author indie-published her first one or two books
Becky Chambers - The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet was indie-published
Rachel Abbott - Only the Innocent was indie-published and began a bestselling series
Freida McFadden - mega-bestselling thriller author; many of her early novels were indie-published and are now being newly released
Why are more and more of your neighbors suddenly announcing their indie-published debut novel or nonfiction book?
Because we can.
❤️Margie
More on my new book and my deranged life in next week’s post. If you haven’t signed up for my newsletter yet, what are you waiting for? Grab your free ebook of short stories before they run… oh, who am I kidding, the supply is infinite. Tell your friends! Go to margiebenedict.com and click on Subscribe from the menu bar.
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